Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes is a flight of nine locks on the Canal du Midi, on the edge of Béziers in the Languedoc. The canal has to drop steeply here to reach the Orb, and the locks handle that change in one staircase, lifting and lowering boats chamber by chamber. The canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Come to watch the locks at work, walk the paths beside the canal, or take a boat through the chambers.
Why the locks were built
The Canal du Midi runs toward the Mediterranean. On one long stretch it stays level for about 54 kilometres without any locks. At Fonseranes, the canal has to come down steeply to meet the Orb, which carries boats on toward Agde.
Riquet and his works director needed a way to manage that height difference. An earlier experiment at Castelnaudary had shown that a series of chambers could work, and at Fonseranes the same principle was built on a much larger scale. Work began in 1667 and was completed in 1680.
The staircase and how it works
The nine locks follow one another in a single staircase, so a boat passes from one chamber to the next as the water level changes. The total drop is about 21 metres.
The paths along the canal let you see the chambers and gates up close. The site is in very good condition and well laid out, so the route is easy to follow on foot.
Boat trips and Le Petit Train
A boat trip takes you up or down through the chambers and lasts about an hour. The crew give commentary in several languages during the ride.
Le Petit Train runs between the cathedral in Béziers and the locks, with information about the area along the way. It suits visitors who cannot manage a long walk.
At the top of the locks you will find toilets, a cafe, a restaurant and a gift shop. Tickets for Le Petit Train are sold at the office there.
The walk from the city
A footpath of about 650 metres links the Pont-Vieux in Béziers with the square in front of the cathedral, and it connects to the lock path from Fonseranes. It opened on 1 July 2022.
The route is open to pedestrians, cyclists, families with pushchairs and people with reduced mobility. For able-bodied walkers, the walk to the locks takes about half an hour, with views across the L'Orb toward the cathedral.
FAQ
Do I need tickets?
Boat trips and Le Petit Train need tickets, and booking ahead is recommended for busy periods. Check the official website for current prices.
How long do you need?
Plan half a day if you take a boat trip, which lasts about an hour. For able-bodied walkers, the walk from the centre of Béziers takes about half an hour.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restrooms and parking are wheelchair accessible. The footpath from Pont-Vieux is open to people with reduced mobility, and Le Petit Train suits those who cannot walk far.
Where can I park?
A free car park with 350 spaces is at Pont-Vieux. Parking at the locks is paid, and the restaurant reception offers a free hour, which you should confirm with staff.
